Telescoping tool basket, especially for offshore operations, and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A telescoping, adjustable length tool basket, particularly suitable for offshore operations in the oil and gas industry. A center section has four elongated, tubular corner members, joined by bottom and side members. At least one, and preferably two, wing sections comprise elongated inner corner members that are slidably disposed within the outer corner members. The wing sections can be moved inwardly and outwardly from the center section to adjust the overall tool basket length to accommodate the tool length. When adjusted to the desired length, a lock pin is inserted through aligned holes in at least one pair of outer and inner corner members, to lock the tool basket at the desired length. Inner and outer bushings are disposed in the annulus between the inner and outer corner members. Preferably the bushings are of a polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) material such as Teflon®.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Art

This invention relates to apparatus and method used in connection withthe loading/unloading and transporting of goods. In particular, thisinvention relates to a telescoping equipment or tool basket adapted toaccommodate equipment and tools of differing lengths. The invention hasparticular, although not exclusive, application to operations connectedwith the oil and gas exploration, production, development, andtransportation industries, especially offshore operations.

2. Related Art

While the present invention has broad and general application to theloading, unloading, and transportation of equipment to and from avariety of locations, as a matter of convenience (and not limitation)the invention and methods of its use will be described in connectionwith “offshore” operations related to the petroleum industry. Offshoreoperations, meaning those in ocean or inland waters, have become quitewidespread. Drilling, production, development, and transportationoperations are all included in offshore operations. Further, while theinvention has applicability to both offshore and onshore operations, ithas particular applicability to offshore operations, where equipment istransported by a vessel to/from a shore base and offshore worklocations, and must be loaded/offloaded at both ends of the journey.

Equipment (commonly referred to as “tools”) of various types anddimensions must frequently be transported back and forth from shorebases to offshore platforms, drilling rigs, and other offshorestructures. Typically, the equipment is loaded into containers commonlyknown as “tool baskets,” which are then picked up by a crane and placedonto a vessel to be brought offshore or to the shorebase, as the casemay be. Tool baskets are typically elongated containers, with at leasttwo sides and a bottom, with padeyes and the like to permit attachmentof lift slings. Once the vessel has arrived at the desired location, acrane on the platform, drilling rig, etc. lifts the tool basket onto theoffshore structure. Obviously, the procedure is reversed when tools aresent from an offshore location to a shorebase.

Problems arise in providing tool baskets that can accommodate varioussize (particularly as to length) tools that may be brought offshore. Acommon situation is the necessity to transport logging tools, which maybe of different lengths, and some of which may be very long. While it isrecognized that a closed end basket—one comprising not only a bottom andtwo sides, but also two ends, and of sufficient length that the toolsfit entirely within the basket—is desirable, accommodating the differingtool lengths traditionally required an inventory of different lengthbaskets. A solution in the past has been to provide tool basketscomprising a bottom and two sides only, that is to say are “open ended.”Such tool baskets can of course accommodate many different lengths oftools, as those longer than the basket simply extend beyond the openends of the tool basket.

However, potential dangers associated with lifts of loaded, open endedtool baskets can be readily appreciated. Particularly when loading andoffloading vessels to/from offshore structures, heavy seas, winds andthe like are sometimes experienced, with resulting vessel movement,swaying of loads, etc. For safety reasons, both as to personnel andequipment, it is desired to have closed end baskets in the sense thatthe baskets have four sides, to reduce the chances of equipment slidingout an open end, even though fastened via tie downs, etc. However, aspreviously described, that requirement leads to the need for multipletool baskets of different lengths, so that the user has at his disposala closed tool basket of an appropriate length for the tools to be placedtherein. In addition to safety concerns, it is desirable to have a toolbasket that supports the tool, over substantially its entire length.Very long, limber tools extending beyond a tool basket are in danger ofbeing bent, broken, or otherwise damaged.

A solution to the requirement of having multiple fixed length baskets isa tool basket that can be telescoped to a desired length, preferably alength that closely matches the length of the tools. In addition, thetelescoping structure must be quite robust, to withstand typically roughtreatment in the offshore environment, yet one which is readilyadjustable to the desired length.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention comprises a tool basket that is longitudinally telescopicto accommodate tools and equipment of differing lengths. A centersection is generally rectangular in cross section, with elongated,tubular beams at each corner (outer corner members) running the lengthof the center section. The outer corner members are connected by bottomand side members (of either beam and/or solid sheet material) to formsides and a bottom. At least one wing section has similar elongatedbeams (inner corner members) which are disposed within the outer cornermembers of the center section, and which can be telescoped into and outof the center section outer corner members. Preferably, the tool baskethas two substantially identical wing sections, one wing sectiontelescoping from either end of the center section. The inner cornermembers of the wing sections are connected to one another at least neartheir ends distal from the center section, and in combination with thecenter section thereby form the tool basket. Internal and externalbushings, preferably of a material such as Teflon®, are disposed in theannulus between the inner and outer corner members. The bushingsmaintain the wing sections properly aligned within the center section,reduce the force needed to telescope the wing sections into and out ofthe center section, and prevent water, trash and the like from gettinginto the annulus between the corner members. The present inventionfurther comprises a method for handling and transportation of tools toand from offshore locations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overall tool basket, with the wingsections separated from (telescoped completely out of) the centersection (“exploded view”), with some detail omitted for clarity.

FIG. 1A is a more detailed, segmented top view of the tool basket.

FIG. 2 is another side view of the tool basket.

FIG. 3 is an end view, showing tools in place within the tool basket.

FIG. 4 is another end view, showing detail of the wing section.

FIG. 5 is a more detailed view of the inner and outer bushings and innerand outer corner members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While those skilled in the relevant art field will recognize thatvarious changes may be made to the particular embodiments disclosed, yetstill fall within the scope of the invention, with reference to thedrawings some of the presently preferred embodiments are now described.

Referring to the drawings, the apparatus of the present invention is atelescoping tool basket 10 comprising a center section 20 and at leastone, and preferably two, wing sections 30. Center section 20 comprisesfour elongated, tubular outer corner members 21, overall forming agenerally rectangular cross sectional shape. Each outer corner member 21may have a circular, rounded square or rectangular, or other suitablecross sectional shape, typically with the inner profile closely matchingthe outer profile. In the embodiment shown, each outer corner member 21has a generally square cross section shape (inner and outer). FIG. 1 isan overall perspective view of the tool basket, showing wing sections 30completely pulled out of center section 20, in order to show how thesections fit together. Certain detail is omitted from FIG. 1 forpurposes of showing a clearer overall view. FIGS. 1A and 2 are top andside views (segmented), showing more detail.

Outer corner members 21 are joined by bottom members 22 and side members23, forming a bottom and sides for center section 20. In the illustratedembodiment, bottom and side members 22 and 23 are beam shaped members;however, it is understood that solid sheet members could be used in lieuof, or in addition to, the beam shaped members. With beam shapedmembers, an “open” construction is formed, while with sheet members, a“closed” construction is formed. Typically, padeyes 40 are fixed tocenter section 20 to permit lifting the tool basket via a crane, etc.Skids 50 may be fixed to the bottom of center section 20, to somewhatelevate the tool basket above a flat deck or other surface on which itis resting.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, wing section 30 isshown in more detail. Generally, wing section 30 comprises fourelongated inner corner members 31 which are sized, shaped, and spacedapart so that each of inner corner members 31 are disposed within anouter corner member 21, when the wing section is mated with the centersection. Inner corner members 31 are slidably disposed within outercorner members 21, so that wing section 30 may be telescoped into andout of center section 20, making the overall basket length shorter orlonger as desired. While the scope of the present invention encompassesa tool basket having only one wing section 30, preferably two wingsections 30 are telescopically connected to center section 20, for a“symmetrical” tool basket as in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cross section shapesof the outer surfaces of inner corner members 31 generally conform tothe inner cross section shape of outer corner members 21. The dimensionsof the outer cross section of inner corner members 31 and inner crosssection of outer corner members 21 are such that an annulus is formedtherebetween, which can vary depending upon the size of the members butis generally on the order of ½″. Inner corner members 31 are joinedtogether generally near the end distal from center section 20, by bottomand side members 32. It can be appreciated from considering the drawingsthat bottom or side members in the wing sections must be limited toplacement near the outer end of the wing section, otherwise the innercorner members would be blocked from telescoping into the outer cornermembers. In order to support wing section 30, and to ease telescoping ofwing section 30, a roller 33 may be fixed to the bottom of wing section30, typically near the end of wing section 30 distal from center section20. Preferably, roller 33 is spaced so as to support wing section 30 atroughly the same elevation of center section 20 when supported by skids50.

A plurality of tool cradles 60 may be provided in center section 20, toprovide secure seating for tools placed within the tool basket. Atypical arrangement of tools positioned in tool cradles 60 is shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a more detailed cross section view of the section of theequipment basket denoted by the circled sections labeled “A” in FIGS. 1Aand 2, showing inner corner member 31 disposed within outer cornermember 21 and of the bushing arrangement. In particular, inner and outerbushings 70 and 80 are shown in more detail. Inner bushing 70 isdisposed on inner corner member 31 and moves back and forth with innercorner member 31, within outer corner member 21. In a presentlypreferred embodiment, inner bushing 70 is generally cap-shaped and fitsaround the end of inner corner member 31, and is fastened thereto via afastening means, for example at least one bolt 90. As is seen in FIG. 4,inner bushing 70 extends a distance along inner corner member 31 in theannulus between inner corner member 31 and outer corner member 21. Theleading and trailing edges 75 are preferably angled or rounded to helpguide inner corner member 31 within outer corner member 21.

Outer bushings 80 are fixed to outer corner member 21, and extend intothe annulus between the corner members. While different embodiments ofthe shape of outer bushing 80 are possible, a presently preferred shapecomprises an outer collar 80 a attached to a sleeve 80 b extending intothe annulus between the corner members 21 and 31. Outer corner member 21has a flange 24, and a fastening means such as nut and bolt assembly 100extend through a cap plate 110, outer collar 80 a, and flange 24, andhold outer bushing 80 securely to outer corner member 21.

Inner and outer bushings 21 and 31 are preferably made of a polymer orelastomer material. One presently preferred material comprisespolytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), for example material marketed under thebrand name Teflon®. Teflon® has the beneficial characteristics of beingvery tough, resistant to corrosive fluids, oils, etc., yet being quite“slick” and providing a low-friction bearing surface. Wing sections 30therefore can be telescoped into and out of center section 20 easily.While Teflon® or Teflon® containing materials are preferred, it isrecognized that the scope of the present invention comprises inner andouter bushings of other elastomers, plastics, polyamides, compositematerials, and metals such as brass. Inner and outer bushings 21 and 31are sized so as to closely fit within the annulus between the cornermembers, thereby providing good support and alignment and preventing anysignificant trash from getting into the annulus, but not fit so tightlyas to materially impede telescoping the corner members.

A means for locking the wing sections at a desired extension length fromthe center section is provided. One preferred means for lockingcomprises a plurality of mating holes 120 in outer and inner cornermembers 21 and 31. One or more lock pins 130 can be inserted through theholes 120, when holes 120 are aligned with the wing section at a desiredextension length.

Materials, shapes, and dimensions of the various parts of the toolbasket may be varied, as those skilled in the relevant art willrecognize. Generally, structural steel is suitable for the primarystructural members of the tool basket. The inner and outer bushings arepreferably of an elastomeric material, as described above.

To use the tool basket, wing sections 30 are simply pulled out or pushedin to achieve a desired length, generally close to but slightly longerthan the tools to be held; then, the overall length is adjusted to alignholes 120, and lock pins 130 are inserted through at least a pair ofaligned holes. Tools 140 can then be placed into tool cradles 60, andfastened down as appropriate. While for most applications each wingsection 30 will be extended the same distance from center section 20, itis recognized that tools of an non-symmetric weight distribution (thatis, with a center of gravity much closer to one end of the tool than theother end), may be better positioned with the wing sections eachextended a different amount from the center section, so that while thetool may extend further from one end of the center section than theother end, the center of gravity of the tool will be roughly in thecenter of center section 20.

The present invention further comprises a method for loading,transportation, and unloading of equipment, particularly in offshoreoperations, comprising the steps of providing a tool basket having acenter section and at least one telescoping wing section extending fromthe center section; adjusting the overall length of the tool basket toclosely match the length of the tools to be carried; locking the wingsection to the center section to form a tool basket of the desiredoverall length; placing the tools within the tool basket, and securingthe tools within the tool basket as appropriate; and lifting the toolbasket with tools therein, from a shore facility to a vessel, and/orfrom a vessel to an offshore structure

While the description presented herein sets forth a number of details ofthe invention, these are presented by way of example only and notlimitation. Changes can be made to the disclosed, exemplary embodiments,as recognized by those with skill in the relevant art field, while notdeparting from the spirit of the invention. For example, the dimensionsof the various parts of the tool basket can be changed to suit differentapplications; materials can be changed, for example steel, aluminumalloys, and other metals may be used; the shapes of the variouscomponents may be changed; the bottom and sides of the center sectionmay be of structural beam type fabrication, or may be solid sheetmaterial; and the inner and outer bushings may be of different shapesand materials.

Therefore, the scope of the invention is not to be measured by thedisclosed embodiments, but by the appended claims and their legalequivalents.

1. A telescoping tool basket, comprising: a) an elongated center sectionhaving a generally rectangular cross section shape, and comprising outercorner members at each corner thereof, said corner members joined byside and bottom members; b) at least one wing section comprising innercorner members, said inner corner members disposed within said outercorner members and forming an annulus between said inner and outercorner members, said inner corner members being longitudinally movablewithin said outer corner members, said inner corner members joined byside and bottom members proximal an end of said inner corner membersdistal from said center section; c) an inner bushing attached to each ofsaid inner corner members, and disposed in said annulus; and d) an outerbushing attached to each of said outer corner members, and disposed insaid annulus.
 2. The tool basket of claim 1, wherein said inner bushingcomprises a cap over an end of said inner corner member disposed withinsaid outer corner member and extending into said annulus, and whereinsaid outer bushing comprises a collar fastened to said outer cornermember and a sleeve extending into said annulus.
 3. The tool basket ofclaim 2, wherein said inner and outer bushings are formed from anelastomer material.
 4. The tool basket of claim 3, wherein said innerand outer bushings are formed from polytetraflouroethylene.
 5. The toolbasket of claim 2, wherein said inner and outer bushings are formed frombrass.
 6. The tool basket of claim 2, further comprising a means forlocking said wing section to said center section.
 7. The tool basket ofclaim 6, wherein said means for locking comprises a plurality ofalignable holes through at least one of said outer corner members andsaid inner corner member disposed therein, and at least lock one pindisposed in one of said holes.
 8. The tool basket of claim 7, furthercomprising tool cradles disposed within said center section.
 9. The toolbasket of claim 8, further comprising skids disposed on a bottom of saidcenter section.
 10. The tool basket of claim 9, further comprising atleast one roller disposed on a bottom of said at least one wing section.11. The tool basket of claim 10, further comprising padeyes disposed onsaid center section.
 12. A tool basket adjustable to accommodatedifferent length tools, especially suited for offshore operations,comprising: a) a center section comprising four elongated tubular outercorner members joined by bottom and side members, and at least one wingsection comprising four elongated inner corner members slidably disposedwithin said outer corner members and joined together by bottom and sidemembers near one end, whereby said at least one wing section can betelescoped inwardly and outwardly from said center section to adjust thelength of said tool basket; b) an inner bushing attached to each of saidinner corner members and an outer bushing attached to each of said outercorner members, a portion of both of said inner and outer bushingsdisposed in an annulus between said inner and outer corner members; andc) means for locking said at least one wing section and said centersection together.
 13. The tool basket of claim 12, further comprisingpadeyes attached to said center section, for lifting said tool basket.14. The tool basket of claim 13, further comprising skids fastened tothe bottom of said center section, and a roller attached to the bottomof said at least one wing section.
 15. The tool basket of claim 14,wherein said means for locking comprises holes through at least one setof telescoped inner and outer corner members, and a pin inserted throughat least one of said holes.
 16. The tool basket of claim 15, whereinsaid inner and outer bushings are formed from polytetraflouroethylene.17. The tool basket of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of toolcradles disposed in said center section and adapted to receive anelongated tool thereon.
 18. The tool basket of claim 15, wherein saidinner and outer bushings are formed from brass.
 19. The tool basket ofclaim 12, wherein said inner and outer corner members are rectangular incross section.
 20. The tool basket of claim 12, wherein said inner andouter corner members are circular in cross section.
 21. A method forhandling of equipment in offshore operations, comprising the steps of:a) providing a tool basket, comprising: i) a center section comprisingfour elongated tubular outer corner members joined by bottom and sidemembers, and at least one wing section comprising four elongated innercorner members slidably disposed within said outer corner members andjoined together by bottom and side members near one end, whereby said atleast one wing section can be telescoped inwardly and outwardly toadjust the length of said tool basket; ii) an inner bushing attached toeach of said inner corner members and an outer bushing attached to eachof said outer corner members, a portion of both of said inner and outerbushings disposed in an annulus between said inner and outer cornermembers, said bushings comprised of a polytetraflouroethylene material;and iii) means for locking said at least one wing section and saidcenter section together; b) adjusting said tool basket to the length ofa tool to be transported, by telescoping said at least one wing sectionto a desired degree of extension from said center section, and lockingsaid wing section to said center section; and c) placing a tool to betransported into said tool basket, and fastening said tool within. 22.The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: d) transportingsaid tool basket on a vessel; and e) moving said tool basket from saidvessel to an offshore structure.